BIG THUMB
This is the nickname for the mountain where Stanley and Zero find refuge.
What is Big Thumb?
At the beginning of the novel, Stanley teaches Zero this important skill.
What is reading?
What physical struggle do both boys face on the mountain?
Dehydration / exhaustion.
Stanley makes this major decision that changes everything.
What is choosing to help Zero?
These two things restore Stanley physically on Big Thumb.
What are onions and water?
Zero insists on doing this, even when he is weak and exhausted.
What is digging / helping Stanley?
What internal conflict does Stanley experience at the end of Chapter 40?
Whether to leave Zero or return to camp.
Zero makes what decision about helping Stanley?
He refuses to quit / insists on helping.
Why are there onions growing on Big Thumb?
They grow near water / it used to have a spring.
How has Stanley’s attitude toward Zero changed from the beginning of the novel?
He now cares about him / protects him / sacrifices for him.
What larger conflict is still unresolved by Chapter 40?
Camp Green Lake / Warden / digging mystery.
Why is Stanley’s choice to carry Zero significant?
It fulfills the Zeroni promise
How does Big Thumb connect to the novel’s earlier family curse storyline?
Stanley fulfills Zeroni’s request by carrying Zero up the mountain.
Give one example of sacrifice shown between Stanley and Zero in these chapters.
Stanley carries Zero up the mountain / risks punishment / shares food.
How does the mountain sequence increase tension in the story?
Survival risk / unknown outcome / curse connection.
What decision ends Chapter 40?
Stanley leaves Zero sleeping and hikes back down the mountain.